Muscle-building diseases affect every part of daily functioning, from breathing to walking. These health problems usually result from genetic disorders inherited from one or both parents. Because the body's muscles help with movement and aid in basic functions such as circulation, breathing and digestion, muscle-building diseases can have serious health impacts.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common muscle-building disease among children. It occurs more often in boys than girls, with symptoms developing by about 5 years of age. People diagnosed with muscular dystrophy slowly lose the ability to build and maintain muscles, which weaken to the point where walking, sitting or even breathing become difficult. Physicians identify muscular dystrophy by testing blood for levels of serum creatine kinase, which the muscles release as they break down. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is incurable, but medications such as prednisone can slow muscle destruction.
Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Symptoms of Becker muscular dystrophy are similar to those of Duchenne muscular dystrophy but less severe. People with this genetic condition experience symptom onset during adolescence, and the body's voluntary muscles continue to slowly deteriorate over several decades. While people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy rarely survive past their 30s, the Muscular Dystrophy Association explains that those with Becker muscular dystrophy often lead healthy and productive lives well into late adulthood.
Myotonic Dystrophy
Myotonic dystrophy is the most common muscle-building disease to begin during adulthood. The two forms of this condition affect building of muscles in different areas of the body, notes the Genetic Home Reference, part of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The more severe form, Type 1, affects muscle building in the lower legs, hands, neck and face. The less severe form, Type 2, affects muscle building in the body's midsection, from the neck and shoulders to the elbows and hips.
Metabolic Diseases
Metabolic diseases of the muscle impair muscle building by interfering with the necessary chemical reactions muscles require for functioning. These diseases result from genetic disorders that affect critical enzymes needed to process food into energy, according to the MDA. The most common symptom is exercise intolerance. Muscle weakness may also develop, which can lead to serious medical problems if the heart or respiratory system are affected. Physicians treat metabolic diseases of the muscle with specialized dietary programs and prescription pain relievers.
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